Acoustic-digital hybrid synthesizer

Levin Schnabel; Dan Overholt

Acoustic-digital hybrid synthesizer

Abstract:

This paper explores the design and evaluation of an acoustic-digital hybrid instrument that aims to address key criticisms of Digital Musical Instruments (DMIs), particularly the separation of control and sound generation. By integrating an interactable physical string with coupled Finite Difference Schemes (FDS) for physical modeling synthesis, the instrument creates a tactile and responsive playing experience. The instrument was evaluated through a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative think-aloud protocols with the Musician’s Perception of the Experiential Quality of Musical Instruments Questionnaire (MPX-Q). Results indicate that the instrument fosters curiosity and creativity but highlights challenges in achieving traditional acoustic playability, such as latency and perceptual dissonance. These findings emphasize the potential and limitations of acoustic-digital hybrids in reuniting control and sound, offering valuable insights for future developments in musical interface design.